Maldivians’ hajj pilgrimage cut short by 10 days

Maldivians who are embarking on the hajj pilgrimage this year will be spending 10 days less in Saudi Arabia than previous years, confirms Maldives Hajj Corporation.

Several people who paid to perform hajj this year have expressed concern over the shorter pilgrimage this year.

In previous years, pilgrims spent 30 days in Saudi Arabia.

Several people set to perform hajj this year told Sun that they were told by Hajj Corporation that they will be spending 20 days in Saudi Arabia, instead of the usual 30.

They also said that the Hajj Corporation assured them they would have the chance to perform all acts of worship that pilgrims usually engage in despite the shorter timeframe.

Pilgrims pay the Hajj Corporation MVR 69,965 for hajj trips.

Neither the Hajj Corporation’s managing director Mohamed Shakeel nor the corporation’s spokesperson has responded to queries by Sun seeking a comment regarding the decision to shorten the pilgrimage, despite repeatedly reaching out via text and phone call over the course of numerous days.

It is therefore unclear if this change is permanent or temporary.

The Maldives usually receives an annual hajj quota of 1,000 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. Part of the quota had previously gone to private hajj tour groups. However, the government decided in 2023 that the full quota would go to the Hajj Corporation.

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that the government is engaged in discussions to increase this quota.

The long waitlist for the annual hajj pilgrimage, as well as the cost, is an issue of deep concern to Maldivians, many of whom spend years, saving up to perform the rite.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that everyone in line for hajj pilgrimage this year will get the opportunity.